Last updated: January 18, 2025
Kolda, Senegal, classified under the Köppen-Geiger climate class Aw, experiences a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The temperature ranges significantly throughout the year; January records a minimum of 14°C (58°F), while April can reach scorching highs of 45°C (114°F). On average, the temperature hovers around 29°C (84°F), illustrating the region's warm climatic conditions that influence both local ecosystems and human activities.
The temperature patterns in Kolda, Senegal, reflect a distinct seasonal progression throughout the year, characterized by rising warmth leading into the hottest months. Starting in January, minimal temperatures are around 14°C (58°F), gradually increasing as the year progresses, reaching a peak in April with maximums soaring to 45°C (114°F). The transition from the cooler months of January and February into the sweltering heat of March and April marks a noticeable shift, with average temperatures climbing from 26°C (79°F) in January to 31°C (89°F) in April. Following the peak months, temperatures begin to lessen slightly with the onset of July and August, as the rainy season approaches, resulting in cooler averages of about 28°C (83°F) and 27°C (81°F), respectively. By the end of the year, temperatures level off again, demonstrating a seasonal fluctuation that is indicative of the tropical savanna climate prevalent in the region.
Kolda experiences a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) in November and peaks at 44°C (112°F) in May monthly temperatures in Kolda. Marsassoum sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a low of 14°C (58°F) in January and soaring to a maximum of 43°C (109°F) in April monthly temperatures in Marsassoum. In Velingara, temperatures range from a minimum of 16°C (60°F) in November to a blistering high of 45°C (114°F) in April monthly temperatures in Velingara.
Kolda, Senegal, exhibits a pronounced dry season followed by a significant rainy period, aligned with its tropical savanna climate. From January through April, the region experiences virtually no precipitation, with each month recording 0 mm (0.0 in). This dry stretch is abruptly interrupted in May, when rainfall appears, albeit minimal at 1 mm (0.0 in), marking the onset of the wet season that culminates in the summer months. As June begins, precipitation increases dramatically, culminating in 234 mm (9.2 in) in July, with a peak of 329 mm (13.0 in) in August.
This intense rainy season, characterized by nearly continuous rainfall for approximately 20 to 24 days each month, significantly shapes the climatic and agricultural landscape of Kolda. By September, the precipitation begins to taper off, though still substantial at 265 mm (10.4 in), followed by a decrease in October to 69 mm (2.7 in), and only minor amounts in November and December, confirming the region's reliance on this defined wet season for water resources. The distinct contrast between the dry and wet periods highlights the seasonality of precipitation in Kolda, underscoring its critical impact on both local ecosystems and agricultural practices.
In Kolda, Senegal, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, characterized by a steady increase from the start of the year into the summer months. Beginning in January with 254 hours of sunlight, the region experiences a gradual uplift, reaching 284 hours in February and peaking at an impressive 346 hours in May. This pre-summer surge highlights the increasing daylight as the region transitions towards its warmest period, with long days facilitating agricultural activity and outdoor endeavors.
As the summer progresses into June and July, sunshine hours remain significant, albeit slightly diminished to 321 hours and 295 hours, respectively. Following the peak in May, there is a noticeable decline as the wet season approaches, particularly evident in August, where sunshine drops to 259 hours. However, the decrease is gradual, as September and October illustrate a recovery in daylight hours with 278 and 306 hours respectively. By the end of the year, November and December maintain robust sunlight levels at 300 and 312 hours, underscoring Kolda's relatively consistent exposure to sun throughout the year, while still mirroring the marked intensity of the summer months.
The UV Index in Kolda, Senegal, exhibits considerable variation throughout the year, reflective of the region's tropical climate and solar exposure. Beginning the year, January and February experience a very high UV Index of 9 and 10, respectively, indicating a relatively acute risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. During these months, the recommended maximum burn time is 15 minutes, urging individuals to take precautions against harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. This pattern shifts dramatically as spring approaches; by March, the UV Index soars to 13, categorizing it as extreme, with a reduced burn time of just 10 minutes.
The extreme UV levels persist through the summer months—maintained at 13 in April, May, June, and July—culminating in August and September with a peak UV Index of 14. These readings reinforce the necessity for robust sun protection strategies, given the high risk of skin damage within a mere 10 minutes of exposure. October sees a slight decrease to 12, while November and December return to very high levels of 9. This seasonal trend underscores the essential need for awareness and protective measures against intense UV radiation, particularly during the hottest months when sun exposure is at its most precarious.
UV Risk Categories
In Kolda, Senegal, daylight duration remains relatively stable throughout the year, with minor variations that highlight the region's tropical climate. During the months of January and February, residents benefit from approximately 11 hours of daylight each day, establishing a consistent illumination as the year begins. As spring unfolds, March marks a slight increase to 12 hours of daylight, a trend that is maintained well into the summer months of June, July, and August. This consistent amount of daylight is crucial for agricultural activities, allowing farmers to maximize their crop production during the growing season.
As the year progresses towards its conclusion, daylight duration reverts to 11 hours in October, with this length of daylight persisting through November and December. Even with these changes, the overall variation in daylight hours is modest, encompassing a range of 11 to 12 hours across the year. This consistency in daylight duration reflects Kolda's positioning near the equator, providing relatively uniform conditions that facilitate a stable lifestyle for both residents and local ecosystems.
Kolda, Senegal experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures rise significantly, peaking in April at a maximum of 44°C (112°F). The rainy season begins in June, with July and August recording the highest precipitation levels, reaching 340 mm (13.4 in) in August. Despite the rain, sunshine remains abundant, especially in May, which boasts 347 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Kolda climate.
The climate in Marsassoum, Senegal, is characterized by hot temperatures and a distinct wet season. From January to May, temperatures peak at around 43°C (109°F) in April, with minimal rainfall. The rainy season begins in June, with precipitation rising significantly, especially in July and August, where it can exceed 300 mm (11.8 in). Despite the humidity, sunshine hours remain high, particularly from March to May, providing ample daylight. For more detailed weather information, visit Marsassoum climate.
Velingara, Senegal, experiences a hot, semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures soar, with averages reaching up to 34°C (93°F) in April, while precipitation remains negligible. The rainy season starts in June, peaking in August with about 270 mm (10.6 in) of rainfall, and temperatures begin to drop slightly, cooling down to an average of 27°C (81°F) by August. Sunshine hours are abundant year-round, with May offering the highest at 344 hours. For more details, visit Velingara climate.
In summary, Kolda, Senegal, presents a unique tapestry of climatic characteristics marked by consistent temperature fluctuations, distinct precipitation patterns, and stable daylight duration throughout the year. With temperatures soaring during the hot months and minimal rainfall until the onset of the wet season, the region's climate significantly influences agricultural practices and daily life. Additionally, the UV Index highlighted the necessity for sun protection, particularly during the extreme months of March to September. Collectively, these climatic elements underscore the importance of understanding local weather patterns, not only for environmental sustainability but also for the health and well-being of the community that relies on Kolda's natural resources.